§ 2. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many standing orders he has made since June, 1960, for urban zoos in respect of the importation of animals and what was the cost of preparing, printing, and issuing the order of 2nd December, authorising the landing of one sitatunga, six Maxwell duikers, and a red river hog.
Mr. VaneNo standing orders for urban zoos have been made since June, 1960. The cost of the Order of 2nd December, which was not made for an urban zoo, was about £14.
§ Sir B. JannerDoes not the Minister think that it is time that he had something in the nature of a letter, or something of that kind, to deal with the situation, instead of wasting money? Can he tell the House whether he thinks that the Orders which have been made in respect of the following animals—kudu, kob, huanaco, guacharo, nylghaw. gerenuk and lechwe—have been understood by any Member of the House other than those who take a special interest in the subject? Does he realise that probably I am the only person in the House who looks at these Orders, and that I do so with the purpose of seeing that it should not be a waste of money?
Mr. VaneThese are very important animals. [HON. MEMBERS: "What are they?" I The hon. Member realises the importance of guarding against the introduction of disease, and that is the basis of this system of control. I do not like to disappoint the hon. Member, from the point of view of his not being able to ask these Questions in the future, but we are considering whether it is possible to make a general Standing Order to cover all importations of animals for recognised zoological collections. There were difficulties in the way, but we think that they can be overcome.
§ Sir B. JannerIn view of the satisfactory nature of the reply, I do not propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.